Before founding Rubber Sole Creative, Stav Ozdoba came to the U.S. with one goal: become a filmmaker. Within months, he was in meetings to direct a feature. Not long after, he learned just how brutal that path could be.

What followed wasn't a straight line. It was a pivot.

From indie films to editing weddings. From teaching himself Final Cut to landing at Sony. From cutting sizzles and promos to leading teams and eventually building his own creative shop from the ground up.

In this episode, Corey and Stav trace that journey and get into what actually sustains a career in this business. Not just passion, but craft. Not just ambition, but clarity around what you're truly good at.

They also dig into how storytelling changes across platforms, why "added value" creative matters more than ever, and what it really takes to carve out space as an independent in a crowded, evolving industry.

Calls to Action

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Visit: rubbersoleav.com
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Key Takeaways

The path isn't linear, and that's the point Stav arrived in LA aiming to direct films, but the reality of the industry forced a pivot. Editing became the lane where his instincts and abilities aligned and ultimately opened more doors than chasing directing ever did.

Follow what you're good at, not just what you love Passion alone isn't enough. Stav makes a clear distinction between what you enjoy and what you can consistently execute at a high level. The sweet spot is where skill and interest meet.

The edit bay is the real classroom Early on, Stav learned by proximity. Watching other editors. Asking questions. Absorbing instincts. Not formal training, but immersion in the craft.

Story is the constant, format is the variable Whether it's a trailer, a sizzle, or a social cut, the job is still storytelling. The platforms change. The audience behavior changes. The need to connect emotionally does not.

Underserved work is often the biggest opportunity Rubber Sole was built around doing the work others overlook. Behind the scenes, sizzles, added value pieces. Done right, those pieces don't just support campaigns, they drive audience interest.

Relationships still matter more than tools Even in an era of AI and rapid change, the business still runs on trust. When stakes are high, people call collaborators they know can deliver.

Creative ownership requires risk tolerance Leaving Sony to start Rubber Sole wasn't a calculated leap with guarantees. It was a bet on craft, relationships, and the belief that great work would create opportunity.

Standout Quotes

"I stopped following my passion and started following what I'm good at."
"You're always telling a story, no matter the platform."
"If the work is undeniable, the room will open."
"We're not competing on price. We're competing against average."
"Sometimes if you don't get your dream job, you have to create it."

Connect

Stav Ozdoba – rubbersoleav.com
Corey Nathan – @coreysnathan

Stav Ozdoba on Indie Filmmaking, Editing, and Building Rubber Sole Creative